The rapid spread of the Asian Tiger mosquito and its potential to trigger dengue fever outbreaks across Europe has sparked urgent calls for action from the Cyprus Institute (CyI).
New data from CyI’s VEClim platform, a climate-based early warning system, paints a concerning picture.
The platform predicts an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika, particularly in areas vulnerable to the Tiger mosquito’s establishment.
The urgency is heightened by the approaching Paris Olympics, raising concerns about imported cases and potential local transmission in major European cities like Athens, Barcelona, and Paris.
“The Tiger mosquito’s aggressive expansion, coupled with climate change, poses a significant threat to public health in Europe,” warns the Cyprus Institute in a statement.
The data aligns with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s (ECDC) reports of over 270 locally transmitted dengue fever cases in Europe between 2010 and 2023.
VEClim predicts a broader expansion of at-risk areas in 2024, including parts of North America, the Indian Ocean islands, and swathes of Asia.
The statement emphasises the importance of continuous mosquito surveillance and preventive measures. VEClim highlights its role as an early warning system, crucial for planning effective mosquito control strategies.
The institute cites its successful prediction of the Tiger mosquito’s arrival in Cyprus nearly a decade ago as a testament to VEClim’s capabilities.
VEClim urges citizens to protect themselves and their families, such as using insect repellent and eliminating potential mosquito breeding grounds around their homes.
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